Pablo Hernandez: Swansea City was the only club I wanted to join

PABLO Hernandez revealed he turned down interest from a clutch of other clubs to sign for Swansea City.

The four-cap Spanish international completed a club record £5.55 million move to the Liberty yesterday, subject to international clearance.

Hernandez switched from Spanish giants Valencia to join a side he believes will go from strength to strength under Michael Laudrup.

“I’m very happy to become a Swansea City player,’’ said the 27-year-old.

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Target

“It was my target as soon as I knew there was interest. There were offers from other clubs, but this was the only club I wanted to join.

“I want to thank the club and Michael Laudrup for making me feel like a very important player. Now I want to repay that faith on the football field.

“Swansea is a very important football club and will only keep getting better. They were a good side last year and look even better so far this season.

“I watched the game against West Ham on TV last week and they played some good football. I also liked the atmosphere, the fans are good and together with Michael Laudrup’s presence it’s an exciting package.’’

Hernandez worked with Laudrup at Getafe and arrived on the day a move for another forward fell through.

Swansea reportedly made a £1.5 million bid for Feyenoord’s Jerson Cabral, but he was keener on a move to another Dutch side, FC Twente.

“Michael was my idol when I was young,” Hernandez added.

“Then I was lucky enough to play under him at Getafe.

“I was a young player at Getafe and I learnt a lot from him.

“He gave me confidence and I have a lot to thank him for. Now I want to help him at Swansea in return, because he was very important for my career.”

Swansea were also boosted by the news Israeli forward Itay Shechter has received international clearance and is in contention for today’s game against Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Scott Sinclair completed his move to Manchester City in a deal worth £6.2 million plus add-ons.

The winger passed a medical at the Etihad Stadium yesterday afternoon.

“I’m just glad everything is settled and that I’m now a City player,” said Sinclair.

“There were times when I thought it might not happen so I’m relieved that I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.

“Playing alongside some of the best players in the world is exciting for me and when you see two Champions League fixtures against Real Madrid on the horizon, it brings it all home.”

Swansea transfer target Ashley Westwood was expected to join Birmingham last night after Paul Lambert made a £2 million offer for the Crewe captain.

And Stephen Dobbie was also close to joining Brighton, for a fee believed to be worth £350,000.

If a deal was not completed before the transfer window closed, Dobbie is likely to move on when the loan window opens for Football League clubs next week.

Leroy Lita and captain Garry Monk are other candidates likely to make similar switches.